tortoiseshell

1 of 2

noun

tor·​toise·​shell ˈtȯr-tə-ˌshel 

-əsh-ˌshel

1

: the mottled horny substance of the shell of the hawksbill turtle used especially formerly in inlaying and in making various ornamental articles

2

or tortoiseshell butterfly : any of several showy nymphalid butterflies (genera Nymphalis and Aglais) that have wings mottled with orange and brown or black

tortoiseshell

2 of 2

adjective

1

: made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in mottled brown and yellow coloring

tortoiseshell glasses

2

: of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat consisting of patches of black, orange, and cream

Examples of tortoiseshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The actress added tortoiseshell mules by Black Suede Studio and wore her hair in a half-up, half-down look. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 3 June 2025

This is also why calico and tortoiseshell coat colors – the two cat coats with some orange – are almost exclusively female. —New Atlas, 24 May 2025

Adjective

For example, the luxe coat CBK is donning in this image is black, but her headband and sunglasses are tortoiseshell. —Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 17 Oct. 2022

The Telegraph reports: The tortoiseshell and white cat spends its days pacing from room to room, rarely spending any time with patients except those with just hours to live. —Smriti Rao, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tortoiseshell

• tortoiseshell butterfly

Kids Definition

tortoiseshell

1 of 2 noun

tor·​toise·​shell ˈtȯrt-əs-ˌshel 

-əsh-ˌshel

1

: a spotted hornlike substance that covers the shell of some turtles and is used especially formerly to make ornamental objects

2

: any of several showy butterflies

tortoiseshell

2 of 2 adjective

1

: made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in spotted brown and yellow coloring

2

: of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat that consists of patches of black, orange, and light yellow